Are Feelings A Reliable Standard?

Mark Lindley

      It is spiritually hazardous to rely on one’s feelings as proof that one has been saved. It is so unsafe because one’s feelings can be misleading. Yet, in spite of this fact, some maintain, “I know I’m saved because I can feel it right here in my heart” (some pat their chests while uttering this statement). Some have said, “I would not trade the feeling I have in my heart for a stack of Bibles a mile high.” In effect, such people are saying that their feelings prove they are saved, regardless of what the Bible says.

      However, God’s Words makes it clear that feelings can be wrong. Jacob felt certain that his son, Joseph, had been devoured by a wild beast (Genesis 37:31-35). Jacob was overwhelmed with grief; he shed real tears; he felt unspeakable emotional pain. His feelings, however, were not based upon reality. Joseph was alive and well. Saul of Tarsus felt saved while persecuting the church (Acts 26:9), but his feelings were wrong (1Timothy 1:12-15). These examples show why we should never rely on feelings to prove we are saved. Our feelings can be wrong!

      There is only one saved standard one can use to prove that he is saved — the Bible. Paul urges us to “prove all things” (1Thessalonians 5:21). The Jews of Berea “searched the scriptures daily” to see if they were hearing the truth (Acts 17:11). The Lord said that “the truth,” which is the word of God (John 17:17), makes us free (John 8:32). God’s word is a “lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). All these verses indicate that the Bible — and only the Bible — is the proper standard of authority for determining one’s spiritual condition before God (cf. Proverbs 14:12).

      One soul is work more than the whole world (Matthew 16:26). Therefore, we cannot afford to risk the salvation of our souls by relying upon funny feelings as proof of our salvation. Let us all resolve to look to the Bible. It alone reveals the way of salvation (2Thessalonians 3:16-17).